“Inspiring Creation.”
As competition with TikTok and Reels heats up, YouTube has rolled out half a dozen new features for Shorts to tempt creators. These new creative options will help you customize and expand your Shorts usage, making
Auto Layout to transform Videos into Shorts:
Last year, YouTube launched tools to help creators turn regular videos into Shorts. Now, they’re making their experiences even better. Creators will be able to use the Auto layout on Android, which automatically tracks the main subject in your video as you’re turning it into a Short. Thus, when you’re remixing long-form videos into Shorts, the Auto layout will automatically pan, zoom & crop to ensure that your Shorts look visually and aesthetically pleasing.
Text Narration:
YouTube is also imitating TikTok’s popular text-to-speech option, which provides automatic narration on your clips. After you record a Short, add your text and tap the “Add voice” icon in the top left, where you can discover four voices to choose from.
Auto-generated captions:
Soon, you will be able to add auto-generated captions directly on your content. This update is to help your content become more engaging, accessible and helpful for people to watch even on mute. According to YouTube: “Edit, customize, and style your captions with different fonts and colors to let your Shorts shine!”
Remix the Remixed:
While YouTube has already rolled out a handful of remixing tools, they have now launched the option to remix already remixed Shorts. This can help creators join in on the fun with other creators while putting their own unique spin on the remixed content.
“Add Yours” sticker:
Creators can now include an “Add Yours” sticker to their Shorts to encourage your audience with their own content, kickstarting a chain reaction of entertainment across the platform. YouTube plans on rolling this out gradually over the next few weeks.
Minecraft-themed Shorts effects:
And finally, to celebrate Minecraft’s 15th anniversary, YouTube has recently launched two new effects in Shorts: Minecraft Spring, which transports you right into the world of Minecraft; and Minecraft Rush, a new mini game you can play right in the Shorts player.
